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Definitions

rule

[rool] / rul /
NOUN
standard, principle of behavior
Synonyms
STRONGEST
decree guideline law order precedent regulation ruling statute test
STRONG
aphorism apothegm assize axiom basis canon command commandment criterion decorum dictum direction edict etiquette formula fundamental gnome guide keynote keystone maxim model moral ordinance precept prescription propriety regimen tenet truism
WEAK
brocard chapter and verse decretion no-no's the book the numbers
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disorganization lawlessness
STRONG
bad manners
NOUN
leadership of organization
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administration authority control domination government power regime reign sovereignty
STRONG
ascendancy command direction dominion empire influence jurisdiction supremacy sway
WEAK
regnancy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
submission surrender weakness yielding
STRONG
inferiority subordination
NOUN
method, way
Synonyms
STRONGEST
custom policy practice procedure
STRONG
course formula habit normalcy normality routine
WEAK
order of things
VERB
govern, manage
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conduct control dominate lead order overrule prevail run take over
STRONG
administer bridle command curb decree dictate direct domineer guide predominate preponderate preside regulate reign restrain sway
WEAK
be in authority be in driver's seat be in power crack the whip hold sway hold the reins keep under one's thumb lay down the law rule the roost run the show sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
follow lose obey surrender
STRONG
misguide mislead mismanage neglect release serve submit
WEAK
plead
VERB
judge, decide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conclude determine establish find hold resolve
STRONG
adjudge adjudicate decree deduce figure fix gather infer postulate prescribe pronounce settle theorize
WEAK
lay down pass upon
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin miss start unsettle waver
STRONG
ignore misunderstand
WEAK
plead serve submit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mathematicians were already aware that Bonnet's rule does not apply in every situation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

Brazil finished fifth in the Conmebol qualifying table, losing six of 18 matches, but who would rule out the five-time champions lifting the trophy again?

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Dave Roberts took exception to comments from Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell on Monday about a rule that makes Shohei Ohtani an exception.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Roberts similarly warned his colleagues that “the comments of the E.P.A. administrator herself indicate that without immediate action from this court, this rule will become functionally irreversible.”

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

Striving to be recognized as a world power as well as a European power, Germany sought to extend its influence in the few remaining areas of the world that were not under European rule.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Vocabulary lists containing rule

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Operations and Algebraic Thinking

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Speaking and Listening - Introductory

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